Ryukyu Islands

Ryu·kyu Islands

(rē-o͞o′kyo͞o′, ryo͞o′kyo͞o)

An island group of southwest Japan extending about 1,135 km (705 mi) between Kyushu and Taiwan. The archipelago was incorporated into Japan in 1879 and returned to Japanese sovereignty in 1972 after occupation by US forces following World War II.

Ryukyu Islands

(rɪˈuːkjuː)

pl n

(Placename) a chain of 55 islands in the W Pacific, extending almost 650 km (400 miles) from S Japan to N Taiwan: an ancient kingdom, under Chinese rule from the late 14th century, invaded by Japan in the early 17th century, under full Japanese sovereignty from 1879 to 1945, and US control from 1945 to 1972; now part of Japan again. They are subject to frequent typhoons. Chief town: Naha (on Okinawa). Pop: 1 318 220 (2000). Area: 2196 sq km (849 sq miles). Japanese name: Nansei-shoto

Ryu′kyu Is′lands

(riˈu kyu)

n.pl.

a chain of Japanese islands in the W Pacific between Japan and Taiwan. 1,235,000; 1205 sq. mi. (3120 sq. km).

The combination of natural beauty, unique culture and history-Okinawa was once an independent wealthy kingdom called Ryukyu that traded with its neighbors, including early Philippines, for nearly 500 years while mainland Japan was closed off to the world, before it was annexed by Tokyo in 1879-and a relatively more laid-back, Western vibe has made Okinawa an attractive regular hideaway for many Japanese.

The 32-year-old suspect, who is now a civilian employee at the US-operated Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, admitted involvement in the disappearance of the 20-year-old woman after police found DNA matching hers in his car, the island's newspaper Ryukyu Shimpo reported earlier.

Particularly fascinating is seeing well-known semi-self-governing places, such as the Isle of Man, Ryukyu (Okinawa) or Rapa Nui, being discussed in the same terms as the high-profile struggles of Tibet, for example, and yet the peculiarity of their statuses make them entirely suitable for inclusion.

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